Bea González, dean of University College and special assistant to Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud, was honored on Sept. 2, at the New York State Fair breakfast reception, an annual event hosted by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The event coincided with Women’s Day at the Fair and Gonzalez was one of four women recognized for their commitment and accomplishments in the Central New York region.
DiNapoli talked about González’s long and distinguished record of public service and described her as a trailblazer for community activism. “Dean Bea González has dedicated herself to Syracuse University and the greater community,” said DiNapoli. “I am proud to honor her for her commitment.”
Bea González
González served on the mayor’s Latino Task Force and the Minority Affairs Advisory Council for the city of Syracuse. In 2001, she became the first Latino/a to be elected president of the City of Syracuse Common Council and served two terms. González also served on the Syracuse City School District’s Board of Education.
Among her many honors, she has been recognized as an Hispanic American of Distinction in New York State, and as an Unsung Heroine by the Central New York National Organization of Women. In 2005, she was honored by Peace Action of Central New York for “building bridges to peace.” González also received the Syracuse University Chancellor’s Citation for Service and the SU Women of Influence Award.
“I am honored to be recognized by the State Comptroller’s Office,” said González. “I’ve worked closely with the other honorees, Joan Christensen, Vicki Brackens and Ann Marie Taliercio. And anything we put our minds to we accomplished,” she said.
González serves on several boards and committees, including the Spanish Action League, Onondaga Historical Association, Syracuse Stage and the La Casita Cultural Center. She was also recently appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve on the board of directors for the State of New York Mortgage Agency.
